EcoPhilly Educators Gather at Saint Joseph's University to Learn, Network, and Plan to Bring Laudato Si’ to Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia

Megan Stotz, PhD shares about the Future City Competition during 5-minute project presentation portion of the EcoPhilly Educators Workshop on March 5, 2026 at Saint Joseph's University.

On Thursday March 5th, 65 participants including 45 educators and 20 network partners gathered at Saint Joseph’s University for the first EcoPhilly Educators Workshop. This professional development opportunity was planned by EcoPhilly’s Education Committee in partnership with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Catholic Education, SJU’s Office for Mission & Ministry, and the Ambassdor's Fund for Catholic Education. The workshop provided 4 Act 48 credit hours to PA certified teachers.

The day started with an opening prayer from Sr. Margaret Rose Adams, IHM, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Schools in Philadelphia and Bucks Counties. Then, Bill Stigliani, PhD gave an inspiring keynote address about the global impact of Laudato Si’ and its many applications for faith communities. Bill is one of EcoPhilly’s first volunteers and spent his career as an Environmental Science professor at the University of Northern Iowa. He now spends his time volunteering at Old Saint Joe's Parish, especially in the Care for Creation Committee and the Faith, Food, and Friends Progam.

The group then moved to breakout sessions by grade level led by Eileen Rocks from St. Matthew School (retired) for Elementary, Megan Stotz, PhD from Norwood-Fontbonne Academy for Middle School, and Bill Kuncken from St. Joe’s Prep for High School.

After the breakouts, the group assembled for 9 different 5-minute presentations on different project ideas for their schools. Topics included: community gardens; EcoPhilly's after school clubs; EPA resources on Healthy School Environments; The Children, Liturgy, Ecology, and Renewal (CLEAR) Program at Villanova University; environmental justice efforts, including a demonstration of PennEnviroScreen; the Future City Competition; and organizing a Pilgrimage of Hope for Creation.

During lunch, participants visited sustainability organizations from EcoPhilly’s network, set up at tables around the room. Groups included: Citizens Climate Lobby - Philly Chapter; the CLEAR Project; Cranaleith Spiritual Center; Ignatian Volunteer Corps; Mid-Atlantic Center for Children's Health and the Environment (Region 3 PEHSU); PA Department of Environmental Protection | Office for Environmental Justice; PAR-Recycle Works; Philadelphia Recycling Services Center; Solar States; St. Raphaela Center; and Water is Life Kenya.

After lunch, we shared about the EcoPhilly Educators Shared Drive (click this link to request access), where teachers can use to share and collaborate on high-quality educational resources on Caring for God's Creation and integrating Laudato Si' into classrooms and school projects. Educators worked in small groups to brainstorm and plan projects in their classrooms. Then, to ensure these vital conversations keep happening, we announced the first meeting of the EcoPhilly Educators Community of Practice (click to register) which will be held virtually on April 14 at 4:00pm. Sr. Margaret Rose then encouraged all educators to begin planning their Earth Day activities.

Educators share project ideas for their schools during the final portion of the day.

Lastly, the group shared about a Student Art Contest, which will take place during EcoPhilly's 5th Annual Summit on May 9, 2026 at Villanova University. Details will be posted on our summit webpage shortly.

The day closed with a rousing closing prayer by Fr. Dan Joyce, SJ, who shared Gerard Manley Hopkins’ sonnet which begins: “The world is charged with the grandeur of God.” The Holy Spirit was active all day, guiding all attendees to make connections, generate ideas, and dream of the future for their schools and students.

As attendees left and the impact of the workshop was just sinking in, Eileen Rocks said, "And this is just the teachers. Just wait until the students get involved!"

We couldn't agree more, Eileen!

This workshop could not have happened without the generous support of our mission partners, the Ambassador's Fund for Catholic Education.

To get involved in the EcoPhilly Educators community, email Aaron Lemma of the EcoPhilly Education Committee at aaronjlemma@gmail.com.

EcoPhilly Resources:

• EcoPhilly Educators Shared Drive (for educators)

• EcoPhilly Educators Community of Practice (register for Zoom call on April 14 at 4pm)

• EcoPhilly Resource Folder (public access)